Fishbone cactus, also known as Epiphyllum anguliger, is a unique and beautiful plant that originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has long, flat stems with wavy edges that resemble fishbones. This plant is easy to care for and can be propagated easily through stem cuttings. In this blog post, we will discuss how to propagate fishbone cactus.
Preparing the stem cutting
The first step in propagating fishbone cactus is to prepare a healthy stem cutting. To do this, you should choose a mature stem that is at least 4-6 inches long and has several segments or joints. Make sure to use sterilized pruning shears or scissors when taking the cutting.
Once you have selected your cutting, let it dry out for 1-2 days before planting it in soil. This will allow the cut end of the stem to scab over and prevent rotting.
Planting the stem cutting
After allowing time for your stem cutting’s end to dry out sufficiently after being snipped off from its parent plant with clean pruners (a good two days), dip it into rooting hormone powder which can be bought at any garden store nearby – this speeds up root growth significantly!
Then make a hole about an inch deep in moist potting soil using your finger or a pencil; insert your cutting into its hole gently until its base touches bottom while taking care not push down too hard on top of him; press firmly around his base but leave enough space between soil surface level so water doesn’t overflow once given watering later on.
Caring for newly planted cuttings
After planting your fishbone cactus stem cutting in soil, water it well but avoid overwatering as excess moisture may cause rotting. Place it in bright indirect sunlight where temperatures are warm (around 60°F) until established roots form within six weeks’ time frame approximately then move him to its permanent location.
Once the roots have formed, you can start to water your plant more frequently, but still be careful not to overwater. A good rule of thumb is to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
For optimal growth and health, fertilize your fishbone cactus every month with a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer months (March-September).
Propagation through offset division
Another method for propagating fishbone cactus is through offset division. Occasionally this plant will produce offsets or “pups” that grow from the base of the stem. These can be carefully removed using sterile pruning shears or scissors and planted in their own pots filled with fresh potting mix.
To remove an offset, gently wiggle it free from the parent stem using a twisting motion while taking care not to damage either plant’s roots or stems too much by pulling too hard on them unnecessarily; then you can plant it into a new pot as described above.
Conclusion
Propagating fishbone cactus plants is incredibly easy as long as you follow these simple steps correctly. Whether using stem cuttings or offsets divisions methods each has its pros and cons so choose whichever suits your needs best! Always keep in mind proper conditions like keeping him nearby bright indirect sunlight source where temperatures are warm enough; avoid overwatering once planted into soil w/ rooting hormone powder applied beforehand – this way they’ll thrive happily ever after!
